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The 2024 MLB postseason surges ahead with two pivotal Game 2 matchups in the American League Division Series. The Cleveland Guardians will face off against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field in the afternoon, followed by the Kansas City Royals taking on the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the evening. After securing victories in Game 1, both the Guardians and Yankees are looking to extend their lead to 2-0 in the best-of-five series. Historically, winning the first game has proven advantageous, with 72% of Game 1 winners proceeding to clinch the series since divisional play began in 1995.

The Yankees, buoyed by their strong Game 1 performance despite Aaron Judge’s struggles, need their star to return to form against Cole Ragans, one of the top left-handers in the league. Judge went 0 for 4 with a walk and three strikeouts in the series opener, but the Yankees' lineup, including key contributions from Gleyber Torres and Juan Soto, managed to secure the win. However, New York’s track record against left-handed starters this season (21-23) indicates that Judge’s impact will be crucial in overcoming Ragans’ prowess on the mound. Moreover, Judge's postseason record has been less impressive, so a standout performance in Game 2 is paramount for the Yankees.

The Royals also face a significant challenge as they encounter Yankees' lefty Carlos Rodón, who finished the regular season with a 2.91 ERA across 12 second-half starts. Kansas City’s lineup, powered by righties like Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez, has notably struggled against left-handed pitching this season. Ranked last against lefties in multiple offensive categories, the Royals' task is daunting. If they hope to avoid an 0-2 deficit, a stellar outing from their ace, Ragans, combined with an uncharacteristically strong offensive performance against Rodón, is essential.

In Cleveland, the Guardians will rely on Matthew Boyd, a midseason acquisition who rehabilitated from Tommy John surgery to deliver a promising 2.72 ERA in eight starts. Boyd’s familiarity with Tigers starter Tarik Skubal, a likely AL Cy Young winner, adds an intriguing dynamic to this pitchers' duel. Boyd’s recent struggles towards the end of the season underscore the importance of a strong start to match Skubal’s excellence and relieve pressure from the Guardians' bullpen.

The Tigers, meanwhile, need to spark their offense after being stymied by Cleveland’s pitching in Game 1. Despite their lackluster regular-season performance at the plate, their late-season surge, driven largely by stellar run prevention, has kept them in contention. Offensive standouts like Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson must step up against Boyd to give Detroit a fighting chance to even the series.

With both the Tigers and Royals facing potential 0-2 holes, the stakes are high in Monday’s ALDS Game 2 matchups. A victory for either underdog could shift momentum in their favor, but defeat would place them on the brink of elimination.